(Neb.)-Chadron boys play tough, come up just short against Scottsbluff

By: Andrew Lacy Posted at: 12/14/2012 09:58 PMThe Chadron boys led for much of the first half and into the third quarter, before running out of gas against Scottsbluff, 52-49.

It was a battle of shorthanded teams Friday as Chadron had only eight players in uniform due to injury and illness, while Scottsbluff was without star player Michael Hadden because of a sprained ankle.

The Cardinals got a huge first half out of Spencer Eliason, who had 18 points and 9 rebounds at the break to take a 26-23 lead to the locker room. Eliason was shutout in the second half, but finished with 15 rebounds.

Eric Moreno found his shooting touch in the second half, knocking down four 3-pointers and finishing the game with 21 points.

Chadron fought hard right to the end of a back and forth fourth quarter, but Taylor Winkler made some clutch free throws at the end to seal the win for the Bearcats.

The Chadron girls fared much better, staying unbeaten with a lopsided 63-39 win.

Ashlea Kerr was dominant in the first half for the Lady Cardinals, with 17 points at intermission and several nice assists to give Chadron a 59-26 lead. Kerr finished the game with 23 as well as six rebounds.

Scottsbluff tried to close the deficit in the second half with a few 3-pointers from Zoe Holscher, but never got it to less than 24.

Both Cardinal teams will be back in action Saturday night as they host Gering.